MIA NATALIA

Mia, a Fresno native, fulfilled her childhood dream by becoming a Firefighter/EMT in Northern California after graduating high school. In 2017, her love for the outdoors drove her to go hiking in Sequoia National Park with a cousin. That day took an unexpected turn when Mia misstepped causing her to tumble 50 feet down a mountainside, leaving her with a Complete T9 Spinal Cord Injury.

Transitioning from first responder roots to entrepreneurship, Mia founded Ascend Professional Services (APS) in November 2019. As a motivational speaker, she captivates audiences nationwide, aiming to reconnect millions of people to their higher selves.

Mia, an embodiment of unbreakable spirit, now aspires to bring her marketing and business development skills to the NorCal SCI’s Board of Directors, which she joined in 2024.